• Equipment Mounting

Proper mounting of loose equipment critical for firefighters

Every second is precious at a fire scene. The last thing any firefighter wants to have happen when arriving on site is to open a compartment and struggle to get a critical piece of equipment. Fortunately, the professionals at GSFA make it easy to customize and organize everything fire crews need to carry with them on their trucks.

The Process

The process starts with a pre-construction meeting between GSFA’s experienced loose equipment technician and officials from a department before they take possession of a new vehicle. Customers are asked to bring all the loose items they would like to have on the vehicle – axes, crowbars, extraction equipment, radios, flashlights. The consultations can last a couple of hours to as much as a full day. Customers will be shown photos of how equipment has been arranged on other vehicles, but each interaction is different because every agency has its own specific needs.

Installation can vary from a week to up to three, depending on how many modifications are needed and whether GSFA needs to fabricate anything for the project. Customers receive updates via phone calls, texts and emails.

Thinking Ahead

GSFA works to anticipate firefighters’ needs. For instance, we recommend placing the heaviest equipment down low and at the front of pullout shelves for easier access. Tool boards include space for mounting on both sides. Fasteners are “back nutted” and covered with caps. Bracket corners are rounded off and buffed to eliminate sharp edges to reduce the chance of gloves or coats snagging anything or anyone cutting their hands.

Vehicles Customized

PAC, Kochek and Zico mounts for tools and equipment are stocked on site, but Golden State will customize anything within reason to meet a customer’s needs. In addition to mounting equipment, USB ports, 12-volt power outlets and charging stations can be added in the cab or other parts of a vehicle for thermal imaging cameras, radios and flashlights.